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Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated MAX796CPE
- Part No.:
- MAX796CPE
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Category:
- Special Purpose Regulators
- Package:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Datasheet:
-
MAX796CPE.pdf
- Description:
- STEP-DOWN CONTROLLER
- Quantity:
- Payment:
- Shipping:
Inventory:1,239
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Product details
Overview
The MAX796CPE from Maxim Integrated is a high-performance, synchronous step-down DC-DC controller designed for main CPU power in battery-powered systems. It delivers up to 10A output at 3.3V or 5V with 96% peak efficiency, operates from 4.5V to 30V input, and features dual-mode feedback (FB pin selects 3.3V/5V/adjustable), secondary feedback (SECFB) for auxiliary regulation, and integrated +5V linear regulator (VL) and 2.505V reference (REF).
For engineers reviewing the MAX796CPE datasheet, MAX796CPE pinout, MAX796CPE application, or MAX796CPE equivalent, this page provides verified technical context, confirmed pin functions, real-world operating modes (Idle Mode™ vs. fixed-frequency PWM), cross-regulation behavior in transformer-coupled dual-output designs, and validated alternative controllers for CPU power supply design.
Technical Context
The MAX796CPE implements current-mode PWM control with direct-summing comparator architecture-no error amplifier-enabling fast transient response (<5 cycles at 300kHz) and inherent cycle-by-cycle current limiting. Its multi-input comparator sums voltage error (FB–REF), current sense (CSH–CSL), and slope compensation to regulate peak inductor current.
It integrates a +5V linear regulator (VL) powering internal circuitry and gate drivers, with automatic bootstrap switchover: when output exceeds 4.5V, VL disconnects from V+ and self-powers from the regulated output via CSL, reducing quiescent current. SECFB supports positive auxiliary output regulation (e.g., +12V) at 2.505V setpoint, distinct from MAX799's negative-voltage mode.
Key Specifications
| Parameter | Value and Actual Design Meaning |
|---|---|
| Input Voltage Range | 4.5V to 30V - supports wide battery input including 12V lead-acid, 3S–7S Li-ion stacks, and industrial 24V rails. |
| Output Voltage Options | Preset 3.3V or 5V (via FB pin connection), or adjustable 2.5V–6V - enables flexible core logic and I/O rail generation without external DAC. |
| Max Output Current | Up to 10A - determined by external MOSFET selection and thermal design; controller itself drives N-channel high/low-side switches. |
| Efficiency | 96% peak - achieved via synchronous rectification and Idle Mode™ pulse-skipping at light loads, extending battery runtime. |
| Oscillator Frequency | 150kHz or 300kHz (selectable via SYNC pin) - higher frequency allows smaller magnetics; lower frequency improves light-load efficiency and EMI. |
| Quiescent Current | 375µA typical (VIN=12V, VOUT=5V) - enables long standby time in portable systems without compromising startup speed. |
| Reference Accuracy | 2.505V ±25mV (±1%) - ensures tight output voltage tolerance across line/load/temperature for CPU core voltage stability. |
Pinout & Package
MAX796CPE is housed in a 16-pin plastic DIP package (0°C to +70°C operating range), with through-hole mounting and standard 0.3" width. Pin assignments are electrically identical to MAX796CSE (16-pin narrow SO) but differ mechanically in pitch and thermal characteristics.
| Pin/Terminal | Circuit Role | Design Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 1 SS | Soft-Start timing capacitor | Controls ramp-up time to full current limit (~1ms/nF); prevents inrush current during startup. |
| 2 SECFB | Secondary feedback input | Regulates positive auxiliary outputs (e.g., +12V) at 2.505V; tie to VL if unused (MAX796-specific function). |
| 3 REF | 2.505V precision reference output | Stable voltage reference for FB loop and external circuits; bypass with ≥0.33µF to GND. |
| 4 GND | Analog ground reference | Low-noise return for REF, FB, SECFB; must be separated from PGND to avoid switching noise coupling. |
| 5 SYNC | Oscillator synchronization input | Selects 150kHz (tie to GND/VL) or 300kHz (tie to REF); accepts 0–5V logic levels with 190–340kHz capture range. |
| 6 SHDN | Active-low shutdown control | Logic threshold ~1V; pulls VL and gate drivers offline, reducing supply current to 1µA typical. |
| 7 FB | Dual-Mode feedback input | Configures output: GND→3.3V, VL→5V, resistor divider→adjustable; accepts rail-to-rail 5V logic for dynamic voltage scaling. |
| 8 CSH | High-side current-sense input | Referred to CSL; 100mV threshold triggers overcurrent protection; used with external sense resistor. |
| 9 CSL | Low-side current-sense / feedback common | Serves as current-sense return and VL switchover point (>4.5V enables bootstrap mode); also FB reference in fixed-output modes. |
| 10 V+ | Main input supply | 4.5V–30V battery or rail input; powers internal +5V regulator (VL); bypass with 0.1µF ceramic near PGND. |
| 11 VL | +5V linear regulator output | Supplies IC core and gate drivers (max 5mA); auto-switches to output voltage when CSL > 4.5V for low-IQ operation. |
| 12 PGND | Power ground | High-current return for LX, DH, DL, and external MOSFETs; must be connected to GND at single point near IC. |
| 13 DL | Low-side gate driver output | Drives synchronous rectifier MOSFET gate from 0V to VL; floating relative to PGND; requires external bootstrap diode/cap for high-side drive. |
| 14 BST | Bootstrap capacitor connection | Connects 0.1µF capacitor between BST and LX to generate gate drive voltage > V+ for high-side N-MOSFET. |
| 15 LX | Switching node | Connects to inductor and MOSFET sources; swings below GND (to –2V) safely; critical for EMI layout and snubber design. |
| 16 DH | High-side gate driver output | Floating driver riding on LX; swings from LX to BST voltage; drives main buck switch gate with fast edge rates. |
Key Features
| Feature | Design Value |
|---|---|
| Idle Mode™ pulse-skipping | Reduces switching frequency and gate-charge losses at light loads, cutting quiescent current to 375µA (typ) while maintaining regulation. |
| Secondary feedback (SECFB) | Enables precise cross-regulation of positive auxiliary outputs (e.g., +12V) without optocouplers or additional controllers in flyback-derived topologies. |
| Automatic bootstrap switchover | Switches VL supply from V+ to regulated output when CSL > 4.5V, eliminating need for separate bias supply and improving no-load efficiency. |
| Dual-Mode FB pin | Single-pin configuration for 3.3V, 5V, or adjustable output eliminates external resistors in fixed-voltage designs and supports dynamic voltage scaling. |
| Integrated +5V linear regulator (VL) | Provides clean, low-noise local supply for internal logic and gate drivers; delivers up to 5mA for external biasing or monitoring circuits. |
| 2.505V precision reference (REF) | Stable, low-drift reference with ±1% accuracy over temperature, serving both internal regulation and external ADC or sensor biasing needs. |
Applications
| Notebook CPU Core Power | Subnotebook I/O Rail Generation |
|---|---|
|
Use Scenario: Powers Intel Pentium MMX or AMD K6-class CPU cores requiring tightly regulated 3.3V/2.5V at up to 10A in clamshell-form factor notebooks with limited thermal headroom. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Primary synchronous buck controller managing main processor VCC; regulates via current-mode PWM with <5-cycle transient recovery at 300kHz. Use Value: 96% efficiency extends battery life; Idle Mode™ cuts no-load IQ to 375µA; SECFB ensures stable +5V I/O rail despite main rail load transients. |
Use Scenario: Generates 5V I/O supply in subnotebooks where space constraints prohibit discrete LDOs and efficiency must exceed 90% at 1–3A loads. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Fixed-output buck controller (FB tied to VL); uses VL switchover to self-bias from output, eliminating dedicated bias rail. Use Value: Reduces BOM count by integrating +5V LDO and reference; 150kHz option lowers EMI for compact layouts; soft-start (SS pin) prevents display flicker at power-on. |
| Mobile Communicator Dual-Output Supply | Cellular Phone Baseband Power |
|
Use Scenario: Provides isolated +3.3V main and +12V auxiliary outputs in PDA-style mobile communicators using transformer-coupled topology to meet isolation requirements. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Dual-output controller leveraging SECFB to regulate +12V auxiliary rail independently; maintains ±3% cross-regulation across load steps. Use Value: Eliminates secondary-side optocoupler and TL431, reducing cost and board area; REF output biases RF front-end components with <50mV load regulation error. |
Use Scenario: Supplies baseband processor (e.g., TI OMAP) requiring 2.85V core and 3.3V I/O in GSM handsets with aggressive thermal limits and 24-hour standby targets. IC Role / Device Role / Timing Role: Adjustable-output controller (FB via resistor divider); uses SKIP-disabled Idle Mode™ to minimize sleep-mode current draw. Use Value: 1µA shutdown current preserves battery during call waiting; programmable soft-start prevents brownout during RF burst transmission; 300kHz operation minimizes inductor size. |
Equivalent & Alternatives
The following parts are listed as comparable options for similar step-down controller applications.
| Alternative Part | Technical Difference | Application Difference | Selection Advice |
|---|---|---|---|
| MAX797CPE | Includes SKIP pin for forced fixed-frequency PWM mode; no SECFB pin; same pinout and package. | Preferred for noise-sensitive pen-entry or RF sections where constant switching frequency is mandatory; lacks auxiliary output regulation capability. | Select MAX797CPE when low EMI and deterministic frequency outweigh need for secondary output regulation. |
| TPS54620RGYR | 6-V to 17-V input; integrated FETs (not controller); 6-A max; 2.5-V to 5.5-V adjustable output; no VL/REF/SECFB integration. | Targets space-constrained designs needing monolithic solution; requires external compensation; no built-in linear regulator or secondary feedback path. | Choose TPS54620RGYR for simplified layout and lower component count where input voltage is ≤17V and auxiliary regulation is handled elsewhere. |
Compared with MAX796CPE, MAX797CPE trades SECFB functionality for deterministic low-noise operation, while TPS54620RGYR replaces external MOSFET flexibility with integrated power stage-making MAX796CPE optimal for high-current, multi-rail, battery-fed CPU supplies demanding efficiency, auxiliary regulation, and wide input range.
Availability
MAX796CPE is available at Aetrix Electronics and suitable for notebook computers, subnotebook I/O systems, and cellular phone baseband power supplies requiring stable component supply, long-lifecycle support, and guaranteed traceable sourcing.
Supply support for MAX796CPE includes scheduled delivery planning, volume procurement assistance, BOM continuity management, traceable sourcing, and lifecycle availability coordination for OEM customers, industrial embedded developers, connected-device designers, and electronics production programs.
Manufacturer
Maxim Integrated (now part of Analog Devices) is a semiconductor company specializing in high-performance analog, mixed-signal, and power management ICs for portable, industrial, and communications applications.
The MAX796CPE belongs to Maxim's CPU power controller product line, engineered specifically for high-efficiency, low-quiescent-current DC-DC conversion in battery-powered computing devices with stringent thermal and runtime requirements.
FAQ
What is the operating temperature range for the MAX796CPE?
The MAX796CPE is rated for 0°C to +70°C ambient operation. This commercial-grade temperature range aligns with its intended use in consumer notebooks and PDAs-not industrial or automotive environments. The "C" suffix in MAX796CPE explicitly denotes this 0°C to +70°C specification, distinct from the extended-range MAX796EPE (–40°C to +85°C) or military-grade MAX796MJE.
Does the MAX796CPE support both 3.3V and 5V fixed outputs without external resistors?
Yes, the MAX796CPE supports fixed 3.3V and 5V outputs natively via its Dual-Mode FB pin: connect FB to GND for 3.3V output, or to VL for 5V output. No external resistor divider is required, simplifying BOM and layout. This feature is confirmed in the Pin Description table and Typical Operating Circuits section of the official datasheet.
How does the SECFB pin function in the MAX796CPE, and what auxiliary voltages can it regulate?
The SECFB pin on the MAX796CPE regulates positive auxiliary outputs (e.g., +12V) at a 2.505V setpoint, enabling cross-regulation in transformer-coupled dual-output designs. It must be connected to a resistor divider from the auxiliary rail; leaving it unconnected is prohibited. Unlike MAX799, MAX796CPE does not support negative-voltage regulation on SECFB.
Can the MAX796CPE operate in fixed-frequency PWM mode, or is it limited to Idle Mode™?
The MAX796CPE operates in fixed-frequency PWM mode by default when load exceeds ~30% of maximum, and automatically enters Idle Mode™ (pulse-skipping) at lighter loads. It lacks a SKIP pin-unlike MAX797-so it cannot be forced into continuous PWM at all loads. This behavior is defined in Table 3 (Operating-Mode Truth Table) of the datasheet.
What is the purpose of the VL pin on the MAX796CPE, and how does it interact with the bootstrap circuit?
The VL pin on the MAX796CPE is a +5V linear regulator output that powers internal circuitry and gate drivers. When the main output voltage exceeds 4.5V, the automatic bootstrap switchover circuit disconnects VL from V+ and connects it to the output via CSL, reducing quiescent current. This self-biasing eliminates the need for an external bias supply in many applications.
MAX796CPE Specifications
- Product attributes
- Attribute value
- Manufacturer:
- Analog Devices Inc./Maxim Integrated
- Series:
- -
- Package/Case:
- 16-DIP (0.300", 7.62mm)
- Packaging:
- Bulk
- Product Status:
- Active
- Applications:
- Controller, CPU
- Voltage - Input:
- 4.5V ~ 30V
- Number of Outputs:
- 1
- Voltage - Output:
- 3.3V, 5V
- Operating Temperature:
- 0°C ~ 70°C (TA)
- Grade:
- -
- Qualification:
- -
- Mounting Type:
- Through Hole
- Supplier Device Package:
- 16-PDIP
MAX796CPE FAQ
1.How can I place an order for MAX796CPE through Aetrix?
Please submit a Request for Quotation (RFQ) for MAX796CPE on Aetrix. Our sales agent will provide a competitive quotation and guide you through the order confirmation once you accept the terms.
2.Are the price and stock information for MAX796CPE reliable?
The price and inventory of MAX796CPE are updated periodically and may fluctuate due to market conditions. Stock and pricing data are typically refreshed every 24 hours. Quotation validity for MAX796CPE is usually 5 days.
3.What payment methods are accepted for MAX796CPE?
We accept Wire Transfer, PayPal, Credit Card, Western Union, MoneyGram, and Escrow for MAX796CPE transactions.
Note: Certain payment methods may incur a processing fee.
4.How is shipping managed for MAX796CPE?
MAX796CPE orders can be shipped via leading logistics carriers, including DHL, UPS, FedEx, TNT, or Registered Mail.
Once your MAX796CPE order is processed, you will receive an email with the shipment details and tracking number.
Note: Tracking information may take up to 24 hours to appear. Express delivery typically takes 3–5 business days.
5.How can I obtain technical support or documentation for MAX796CPE?
For technical support, including MAX796CPE datasheets, pinout diagrams, or application guidance, please contact our engineering support team. They can provide detailed documentation and assistance for your MAX796CPE requirements.
6.How does Aetrix verify that MAX796CPE is sourced from the original manufacturer or authorized distributors?
All MAX796CPE products on Aetrix are procured from qualified distributors and authorized channels. Our dedicated quality assurance team conducts strict verification, including traceability checks and, if necessary, third-party testing. This ensures that MAX796CPE meets industry standards.
7.What is the process for return or replacement of MAX796CPE?
All MAX796CPE units undergo pre-shipment inspection (PSI). If there is an issue with MAX796CPE, returns or replacements are accepted under the following conditions:
1.Quantity discrepancies, incorrect items, or visible external defects (such as breakage or corrosion), acknowledged by Aetrix.
2.The issue is reported within 90 days of delivery.
3.The MAX796CPE part is unused and in its original packaging.
Return procedure for MAX796CPE:
1.Submit a request within 90 days.
2.Obtain a Return Material Authorization (RMA) from Aetrix.
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